Who actually owns Mount Fuji?
Mount Fuji, Japan's cherished icon, is not just a stunning landscape; it holds a wealth of history with its ownership and cultural importance. Did you know that the peak of Mount Fuji is privately owned by the Sengen Grand Shrine? It's an intriguing tale filled with historical twists and turns.
Centuries ago, Ieyasu Tokugawa, a key figure in the Tokugawa Shogunate, owned the entire mountain. In a remarkable turn of events in 1606, Tokugawa generously donated the peak to the Sengen Grand Shrine. The shrine's ownership persisted until the Meiji Period, when changes in government led to its temporary loss of control. A lawsuit in 1974 marked the shrine's victory, but the formal return of the peak didn't happen until 2004.
However, the story doesn't end there. Post-war Japan saw a separation of church and state, leading to the return of lands taken by the Meiji government. Mount Fuji remained an exception, prompting legal battles. Despite winning in 1974, the shrine faced challenges in registering the land due to the ambiguous boundary between Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures. Mount Fuji's unique geographical challenge adds a fascinating twist to its ownership tale.
Other interesting facts about Mount Fuji:
The name "Fuji" is believed to have linguistic roots in Old Japanese, and it might be related to words that mean "immortal" or "abundant."
Mount Fuji, the highest peak in Japan, stands at an elevation of 3,776.24 meters (12,389 feet) above sea level.
It is an iconic and culturally significant stratovolcano located on Honshu Island, between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures.
Sacred Status: Mount Fuji holds profound spiritual importance in Japanese culture, with the Sengen Grand Shrine being a center for pilgrimage and worship.
Climbing Culture: The mountain attracts climbers worldwide, with a narrow climbing season from July to September, offering enthusiasts a brief window to reach the summit.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 2013, Mount Fuji received UNESCO World Heritage Site status, acknowledging its cultural, spiritual, and aesthetic significance.
Artistic Inspiration: Mount Fuji has inspired artists, poets, and writers throughout history, becoming a recurring motif in Japanese art and literature.
Mount Fuji's ownership intricacies, combined with its rich cultural significance, make it a captivating subject. As we stand in awe of this natural wonder, let's appreciate not only its physical grandeur but also the layers of history and spirituality that contribute to the allure of Mount Fuji.
Reference:
Japan Today - Who owns Mt Fuji? The answer will probably surprise (and confuse) you
Currently Hannah - Who Owns Mt Fuji? | YouTube Short
Author:
Siriux Art - 22th November 2023
